Chokey Taylor - UNDERCOVER By T.'Boots' Harris Chokey Taylor hails from Westmoreland on Jamaica's South Coast, he is an exceptionally gifted singer, songwriter, musician and band-leader who has single-handedly changed the sound of music, within Jamaican Hotels and Cabaret circuit. He has played a crucial role in delivering Jamaican artistes and musicians from the Mento and Calypso straight jacket, that literally became the expected repertoire for musicians, who worked the Cabaret circuit. Known throughout Europe as the ‘Sun-Dance Kid,’ Chokey Taylor as the lead singer of the renowned Holland based group “Sun-Dance-Kid,” a seven member reggae and pop group who plays a role in promoting reggae music throughout Europe, impacting on thousands of Europeans who have become solid fans and supporters, who until today have embraced reggae music totally. Chokey Taylor/ Sundance Kid, cover version of The Beatles’ song, ‘Girl’, is included in a Compilation Album along with Tina Turner, Stevie Wonder, & Joe Cocker. As lead singer and song-writer for the group, Chokey expressed the gut feelings of Jamaicans on social, political and religious concerns, along with other burning Third World issues. His third solo album "Sunshine Reggae" featured an exceptional jazz-reggae cover of “Sunshine Reggae”. The original recording was done by the group “Laid Back,” whose recording in the 1970s literally rocked the world. Thirty five years later Chokey Taylor’s phenomenal version of “Sunshine Reggae” herald into being, a Jamaican fusion known throughout the world today as “Jazz- Reggae, which is currently being popularized by Jamaican jazz greats such as Monty Alexander, Ernie Ranglin, and serious jazz musicians in the likes of Dean Fraser, Desi Jones, Maurice Gordon, Glen Browne, Susan Couch and Wayne Harmond. Chokey Taylor’s current album “UnderCover” features a number of thought provoking tracks such as " Dancing Mood" a bouncy –reggae masterpiece that has been given a new birth, which now sends ripples through one’s head. Other interesting tracks includes ‘I Love You’ an exceptionally arranged song, that crackles with emotional realities. ‘ Woman In My life’ carries on the dialogue of a man’s appreciation of his woman , based on his discovery that she is truly a Princess, a bundle of joy and delicately wrapped in quiet sophistication. The album was produced by Chokey Taylor and "Star Fire Productions" Recorded at Chokey’s "Fire Hut” Pro-Tools Studio on Gemini Hill, overlooking Montego Bay, Jamaica. Chokey represents the re-birth of a new and exciting sound, fused in Jazz-Reggae, Dancehall, Reggae- Hip-Hop and One-Drop Reggae driven rhythms. Both his music and arrangements reflects his incredible vision, in return the impact of his music heightens the awareness and consciousness of all those who come in contact with his jazz fused reggae. He is a laid-back musician, whose cutting-edge approach to record production is starting to revolutionize the sound of reggae music, both at home and internationally. Check him out, ChokeyTaylor “UNDERCOVER.” www.reggaefemi.com